OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Northeast Region has closed the Oregon/Jackson Street bridge near downtown Oshkosh to vehicle traffic to investigate worn gear teeth components.
Engineers and inspectors from the DOT Bureau of Structures conduct annual inspections on lift bridges like this one. Those mechanical inspections go through the gears, oil, braking, and everything else that makes bridges move up and down.
“During one of our routine bridge inspections, one of our bridge inspectors noticed some vibrations that were unusual while lifting the bridge,” said DOT Civil Engineer, Jason Lahm. “On one of the gears, which raise and lower the bridge, the gears were slightly damaged. So we decided take that bridge out of service.
Lahm says last year, they issue wasn’t spotted. So he estimates the damage occurred sometime over the past year.
Now, he hopes to figure out the extent of the damage and figure out the scope of necessary repairs – and how much that could cost.
“Get some experts in, the manufacturers in, so we could get an accurate assessment on the damage and if the bridge can be used,” Lahm said.
The bridge was built in 1956, and it can see a heavy workload – especially during the hot summer months.
“On the busy times, about 30 times a day we’ll open and close it. And it’s all varied. I’ve even seen it as high as 40 times on really nice, hot days,” Lahm said.
But for now, the bridge will be stuck half open, half closed.
“Out of abundance of safety, we are currently keeping one leaf down and one leaf up, so boat traffic will not be disrupted. But traffic, [pedestrians] and vehicles, will not be able to use that bridge at this time,” Lahm said.
Luckily, the detours aren’t too far away. Vehicles can use the Main Street bridge or the Wisconsin Street bridge while the bridge is in the upright position.
The repair scope, schedule and costs have not been determined at this point. A better timeline is expected to be released sometime next week. WisDOT will release further information when available.
